The Queen's things were
all in White Hall Court ready to be sent away, and her Majesty
ready to be gone an hour after to Hampton Court to night, and so
to be at Portsmouth on Saturday next. This day I left Sir W.
Batten and Captn. Rider my chine of beefe for to serve to-morrow
at Trinity House, the Duke of Albemarle being to be there, and
all the rest of the Brethren, it being a great day for the
reading over of their new Charter, which the King hath newly
given them.
3rd. To the Theatre, where was acted "Beggars' Bush," it being
very well done; and here the first time that ever I saw women
come upon the stage.
4th. I had been early this morning at White Hall, at the Jewell
Office, to choose a piece of gilt plate for my Lord, in returne
of his offering to the King (which it seems is usual at this time
of year, and an Earle gives twenty pieces in gold in a purse to
the King). I chose a gilt tankard, weighing 31 ounces and a
half, and he is allowed 30; so I paid 12s. for the ounce and half
over what he is to have: but strange it was for me to see what a
company of small fees I was called upon by a great many to pay
there, which, I perceive, is the manner that courtiers do get
their estates.
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